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Portland, Ore.: Oregon’s City of Roses is a gourmand’s dream, and has enough biking paths, trolleys and cable cars for visitors to cover it almost completely without getting in a car. Stroll Pearl District cafes and shops, hop the Aerial Tram at Oregon Health and Science University or bike to Pittock Mansion for the best views, and hike Forest Park within the city limits for a mix of urban and natural scenery. Mississippi Avenue eateries and McMenamins’ brew-and-view movie theaters offer a way to slow down and relax, or you can hop a tour to nearby Mount Hood and bike to Multnomah Falls if you’re looking for more adventure. Portland proper and the Columbia River Valley are close enough to fit both into a three-day weekend. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Minneapolis: There’s more to see in Minnesota than you might expect, and the larger of its Twin Cities beckons beer, music and outdoor lovers for a three-day weekend. Often named the most bike-friendly city in America, Minneapolis can be easily canvassed on two wheels to fit in all its green parks, hip breweries, public art (like the famed Spoonbridge and Cherry at Walker Art Center) and swimmable spots like Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun — this is the City of Lakes, after all. Of course, you’ll need to visit in warmer weather if you want to enjoy all the city’s outdoor adventures. Don’t miss music-famous spots like the First Avenue nightclub and Prince’s home and studios at nearby Paisley Park. Joe Christensen, Getty Images/iStockphoto

Savannah, Ga.: Slow down with Savannah’s warm sun and equally warm people on a three-day weekend of tantalizing food, iconic historic sights and a heavy dose of Southern charm. Exploring colonial parks and estates hidden behind moss-draped tree tunnels will help you walk off the fried food and barbecue. Stay in a historic inn, take a scenic Savannah River cruise, and be sure to work in a ghost or cemetery tour to stay true to Savannah’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. You can also stroll the Downtown Historic District, where artisan shops and outdoor cafes bring new life to the old South. It’s all well within a relaxing weekend’s reach. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Montreal: You don’t need to fly to Paris to experience incredible French food and feel immersed in the language. Montreal is a stone’s throw from most of the northeastern U.S., but delivers a three-day weekend that feels far-off. Trendy Mile End eateries and the famed Mount Royal hiking trails are perfect year-round for a romantic getaway that might not even require airfare. Nightlife revelers can head to Rue St. Catherine’s bustling bars, festival connoisseurs love Montreal for its near-weekly festival offerings in warmer months, and history buffs can take to Old Montreal for a food or walking tour that feels more like you’re exploring a historic French port than a French-Canadian one. Getty Images/iStockphoto

West Hollywood, Calif.: Introduce yourself to Los Angeles by opting for a high-energy three-day weekend in its trendiest neighborhood, West Hollywood. A trip to WeHo means boisterous nights out on the Sunset Strip, hiking and/or shopping by day, and a hotel pool to relax at in between. A rooftop patio, famous live-music bar or row of chic independent boutiques is never far away. Gay Pride and Halloween weekends are favorite times to visit this tiny corner of Hollywood, if you’re looking for a reason to take a vacation day. Getty Images

Houston: Forget Austin’s pricey flights and crowded bars, and try an underrated Texas city that often feels anything but Texan. Houston is a surprisingly diverse and bikeable hub perfect for exploring art and science museums, eating international cuisine in Little Saigon and Little India. From craft beer to the Space Center, Houston’s possibilities are endless, but accessible enough to do in a weekend. It’s ideal as a family vacation or a treat-yourself couple’s getaway. Plus, you might be surprised how cheap it is to fly to one of Houston’s two international air hubs, no matter where in the U.S. you live. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Nashville: The small but bustling city of Nashville is just as rock ‘n’ roll as it is country, and packed with enough unique to-dos to please any type of traveler. America’s Music City has its own full-scale replica Parthenon, historic mansions and parks, and museums covering topics ranging from science and art to Johnny Cash. There are enough hot chicken and live-music spots to ensure you couldn’t miss out on either even if you tried, and local breweries and the Jack Daniels Distillery are favorites to wash it all down. Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Minneapolis: There’s more to see in Minnesota than you might expect, and the larger of its Twin Cities beckons beer, music and outdoor lovers for a three-day weekend. Often named the most bike-friendly city in America, Minneapolis can be easily canvassed on two wheels to fit in all its green parks, hip breweries, public art (like the famed Spoonbridge and Cherry at Walker Art Center) and swimmable spots like Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun — this is the City of Lakes, after all. Of course, you’ll need to visit in warmer weather if you want to enjoy all the city’s outdoor adventures. Don’t miss music-famous spots like the First Avenue nightclub and Prince’s home and studios at nearby Paisley Park.(Photo: Joe Christensen, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Looking for a city you can savor on the rare three-day weekend, rather than one that’ll have you scrambling to see everything? You can cross these North American spots off your list in just a few days, and come home feeling cultured and invigorated, not tired and overwhelmed.

There’s an eclectic array of three-day weekend options around North America thanks to growing second cities and new flight routes. Here’s where to find them.

Minneapolis

There’s more to see in Minnesota than you might expect, and the larger of its Twin Cities beckons beer, music and outdoor lovers for a three-day weekend. Often named the most bike-friendly city in America, Minneapolis can be easily canvassed on two wheels to fit in all its green parks, hip breweries, public art (like the famed Spoonbridge and Cherry at Walker Art Center) and swimmable spots like Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun — this is the City of Lakes, after all. Of course, you’ll need to visit in warmer weather if you want to enjoy all the city’s outdoor adventures. Don’t miss music-famous spots like the First Avenue nightclub and Prince’s home and studios at nearby Paisley Park.

Thanks to the recent expansion of Minnesotan low-cost carrier Sun Country, Minneapolis is newly accessible to parts of the country like Las Vegas, New Orleans and Santa Barbara, Calif.

Hai Hai's cocktails have a tropical flare with ingredients such as pisco, lemongrass, Thai basil, pineapple and more. Drinks match the warm and lively vibe of this restaurant where much of the decor comes from Nguyen and Grudem's travels In Vietnam. Terri Peterson Smith

The rest of Young Joni's menu offers globally inspired small plates such as the bibim grain salad, Moroccan cauliflower with grilled shishito peppers, grilled blue prawns in a red chili fish sauce, and meatballs with kimchi and oxtail sugo. A whole fish, salt-encrusted and baked, makes a treat for the whole table. Eliesa Johnson

A Chimborazo cook turns out specialties such as hornado, which is roast pork with llapingachos (traditional cheese-filled sweet potato pancakes), and encocado, a dish with fish or shrimp in coconut sauce. Terri Peterson Smith

Shopping at Holy Land is like a mini expedition through Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. Various sections of the store are piled with imported cheese and olives, a vast selection of olive oil, fresh breads and pastries, and a bazaar of fragrant spices. Terri Peterson Smith

On Holy Land's deli side, you'll see friendly cooks at work in the grilling area where wood-fired grills blaze and rotisseries revolve. Many dishes come from recipes of family matriarch Mama Fatima. Terri Peterson Smith

If you think "tapas" is just a fancy name for appetizers, think again. Costa Blanca's tapas are mini entrees and works of art. Pulpo is served with charred risotto, pimenton, octopus, fried leeks and saffron aioli. Christy Neilson

For vegans and vegetarians, no trip to Minneapolis is complete without a stop at The Herbivorous Butcher. It looks like a traditional butcher shop, but the "meat" case features meat-free steaks, filet mignon, brats, bacon and more. courtesy of The Herbivorous Butcher

Siblings Aubry and Kale Walch launched The Herbivorous Butcher with the goal of fooling people into saving the planet by foregoing meat. They create cheese and meat from plant-based ingredients. courtesy of The Herbivorous Butcher

One of the keys to their success is the realistic texture and flavors that appeal even to dedicated meat lovers. It's primarily a "butcher shop," but you can order hoagies such as the Italian, turkey with dill-havarati, or "steak" to go. courtesy of The Herbivorous Butcher

While the Nordeast food map goes on and on, it's time to head to Minneapolis' trendy North Loop neighborhood. Make a stop at Butcher & the Boar, a carnivore's delight also known for its craft beer and extensive bourbon selection. Sean O'Brien

At this James Beard Award nominee for national Best Restaurant, meat is seared on a wood-fired grill. You'll find handcrafted sausages, grilled-to-perfection aged New York strips, prime rib and double-cut pork chops. Sean O'Brien

112 Eatery serves a beet and blood orange salad. More traditional favorites (such as a brie-topped cheeseburger) and terrific desserts, such as butterscotch budino, are also available. Terri Peterson Smith

The Bachelor Farmer celebrates the region's Nordic food roots in a farmhouse atmosphere. The name is a play on the lore of Minnesota's Norwegian bachelor farmers made particularly famous on the Prairie Home Companion radio show. courtesy of The Bachelor Farmer

Stop in at The Bachelor Farmer Cafe adjacent to the restaurant for toast, sandwiches and salads, and fabulous pastries and coffee. Or make the transition from the farmhouse atmosphere to a chic speakeasy at the award-winning Marvel Bar downstairs. courtesy of The Bachelor Farmer

For an added dose of Scandinavian cuisine and a deeper look at Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage, head to Fika at the American Swedish Institute. Tour the exhibits and the historic Turnblad Mansion here then enjoy lunch or a "fika" which is a Scandinavian concept similar to a coffee break. Travis Anderson

Esker Grove, a 2017 James Beard Award national semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, creates a dining experience that matches its setting inside the Walker Art Center, which is one of the most-visited museums of modern art in the USA. In addition to the art inside, diners enjoy a view of the Sculpture Garden and the downtown Minneapolis skyline outside. Terri Peterson Smith

Fabulous frittatas come with a mouthwatering side of coconut cornbread. Breaking Bread Cafe is part of the organization Appetite for Change, which supports an array of healthy food programs, youth-led urban agriculture, community cooking workshops and more. Terri Peterson Smith

Reggae music sets the mood as you enter Pimento, a fun and mellow bit of Kingston, Jamaica, on Minneapolis' Eat Street. Eat Street is a five-block stretch of Nicollet Avenue just south of downtown with more than 40 wildly diverse restaurants. Terri Peterson Smith

A few blocks away, World Street Kitchen got its start as a food truck but has received national acclaim as a top restaurant. James Beard Award nominated chef/owner Sami Wadi focuses on global street cuisine. Terri Peterson Smith

Save room for ice cream next door at Wadi's other project, Milk Jam Creamery. Intense and unique combinations of flavor, color and texture make it one of Minneapolis' most popular ice cream emporiums. House favorites include Black, made from super dark chocolate, Cereal Killers (orange coriander milk with candied pebbles), and Popping Bottles (champagne sorbet). Terri Peterson Smith

For fans of dive bars and burgers, no trip to Minneapolis is complete without exploring Matt's Bar and its rival the 5-8 Club over on Cedar Avenue. They've had a long-running battle over who invented and who serves the best Jucy Lucy. Terri Peterson Smith

It looks like a regular burger, but a Jucy Lucy (or Juicy Lucy at the 5-8) consists of two ground beef patties with a generous dollop of American cheese sealed in between. They're grilled until the cheese turns to a tongue-burning lava. The 5-8 even offers peanut butter and jam inside its JLs along with the cheese. Terri Peterson Smith

Midtown Global Market, a virtual United Nations of food, resides in what was formerly a giant Sears & Roebuck store. Stroll among the more than 25 restaurants, bars and specialty grocers to take in the colors, smells and activity. Then, take your food to eat at one of the market's center tables. Terri Peterson Smith

One of Midtown Global Market's stars is the Salty Tart's bakery. Sample one of the gorgeous cakes, pastries or tarts, and you'll see why owner Michell Gayer has been recognized as one of the best pastry chefs in the country. Terri Peterson Smith

The Salty Tart makes a mean cupcake; this one is surly, with Surly beer, that is. Sandwiches are served Monday through Friday, and you can order Salty Tart's cookies and macaroons online. Terri Peterson Smith

Slow down with Savannah’s warm sun and equally warm people on a three-day weekend of tantalizing food, iconic historic sights and a heavy dose of Southern charm. Exploring colonial parks and estates hidden behind moss-draped tree tunnels will help you walk off the fried food and barbecue.

Stay in a historic inn, take a scenic Savannah River cruise, and be sure to work in a ghost or cemetery tour to stay true to Savannah’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. You can also stroll the Downtown Historic District, where artisan shops and outdoor cafes bring new life to the old South. It’s all well within a relaxing weekend’s reach.

American Airlines added new daily flights to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport this year from the Miami and Chicago areas, and the airport serves most major U.S. cities.

Montreal

You don’t need to fly to Paris to experience incredible French food and feel immersed in the language. Montreal is a stone’s throw from most of the northeastern U.S., but delivers a three-day weekend that feels far-off.

Trendy Mile End eateries and the famed Mount Royal hiking trails are perfect year-round for a romantic getaway that might not even require airfare. Nightlife revelers can head to Rue St. Catherine’s bustling bars, festival connoisseurs love Montreal for its near-weekly festival offerings in warmer months, and history buffs can take to Old Montreal for a food or walking tour that feels more like you’re exploring a historic French port than a French-Canadian one.

West Hollywood, Calif.

Introduce yourself to Los Angeles by opting for a high-energy three-day weekend in its trendiest neighborhood, West Hollywood. A trip to WeHo means boisterous nights out on the Sunset Strip, hiking and/or shopping by day, and a hotel pool to relax at in between. A rooftop patio, famous live-music bar or row of chic independent boutiques is never far away.

Gay Pride and Halloween weekends are favorite times to visit this tiny corner of Hollywood, if you’re looking for a reason to take a vacation day.

Portland, Ore.

Oregon’s City of Roses is a gourmand’s dream, and has enough biking paths, trolleys and cable cars for visitors to cover it almost completely without getting in a car. Stroll Pearl District cafes and shops, hop the Aerial Tram at Oregon Health and Science University or bike to Pittock Mansion for the best views, and hike Forest Park within the city limits for a mix of urban and natural scenery.

Mississippi Avenue eateries and McMenamins’ brew-and-view movie theaters offer a way to slow down and relax, or you can hop a tour to nearby Mount Hood and bike to Multnomah Falls if you’re looking for more adventure. Portland proper and the Columbia River Valley are close enough to fit both into a three-day weekend, and flights to PDX are cheaper than ever thanks to Alaska Air’s recent expansion.

Forget Austin’s pricey flights and crowded bars, and try an underrated Texas city that often feels anything but Texan. Houston is a surprisingly diverse and bikeable hub perfect for exploring art and science museums, eating international cuisine in Little Saigon and Little India.

From craft beer to the Space Center, Houston’s possibilities are endless, but accessible enough to do in a weekend. It’s ideal as a family vacation or a treat-yourself couple’s getaway. Plus, you might be surprised how cheap it is to fly to one of Houston’s two international air hubs, no matter where in the U.S. you live.

Nashville

The small but bustling city of Nashville is just as rock ‘n’ roll as it is country, and packed with enough unique to-dos to please any type of traveler. America’s Music City has its own full-scale replica Parthenon, historic mansions and parks, and museums covering topics ranging from science and art to Johnny Cash. There are enough hot chicken and live-music spots to ensure you couldn’t miss out on either even if you tried, and local breweries and the Jack Daniels Distillery are favorites to wash it all down.

Allegiant expanded to Nashville this year, opening low-cost options to Florida and Virginia. An abundance of Southwest options out of Nashville also makes it an easily affordable destination from most U.S. air hubs.